Forty-seven artists, mostly from the Southern Lakes, have submitted their works. Prices ranged from $2 to $1700 and works included portraits, landscapes and abstracts in oils, acrylics and watercolours.
An original framed oil painting of Milford Sound, by Arrowtowner Graham Brinsley, and a charcoal portrait of Sir Edmund Hillary, by Queenstown newcomer Nicole Ross, each for $1500, were among the notables in the collection. An original watercolour of a Siamese cat in a floral setting, by Akaroa artist Nancy Tichborne, had an asking price of $1700.
Society members were organising the exhibition in the gallery yesterday. Tables displaying items under $50 and under $20 were set up, and a variety of empty frames and loose paintings made available.
"The artist has to pay 1% entry fee on the total sale price they put in," gallery manager Sue Wademan said.
"That tends to keep the prices down; and the quality is fantastic."
The Mad March art sale runs from 10am to 7pm, in the Cloakroom Gallery, on the corner of Ballarat and Stanley Sts.
